The last word: What role do encyclopedias play in the modern world?

The meeting room at Norway House, hard by the European Parliament in Brussels, is modern, brightly lit, with a convenient patio for breaks. As diplomatic buildings go, it’s welcoming. It is also an unlikely place for a Canadian to find himself talking about encyclopedias.

Yet, there I was last month, sharing space, operating practices and business cards with almost 30 colleagues from 18 mostly European countries and regions, along with several observers. The occasion was the first conference of national encyclopedias. Historica Canada, the non-profit organization I serve as president, was invited because we produce The Canadian Encyclopedia. [MORE]